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How to Detect Oiled Emeralds

Due to the nature of emeralds, which often form with fissures naturally, enhancements are common. An emerald enhancement practice that has been around for centuries, oiling emeralds, is in modern times a general practice in the gem business. Oiling emeralds improves their clarity, making them more visually appealing. The practice of oiling emeralds is considered legal, as long as it is disclosed to buyers.

Things You'll Need

Emerald terminology resources

Instructions

- 1
  Learn about the various oiling methods. Learn each one's advantages and disadvantages. Cedar oil is the most common type of oil used for enhancing emeralds, due to its refractive index being similar to an emerald's.
- 2
  Learn the language used to classify the emeralds in accordance to their enhancement level. The seven main classifications for emeralds treated with oils (or with polymers) going from least enhanced to most are: none, no significant, faint, faint to moderate, moderate to strong, strong to prominent and prominent. Learn which classifications are the best to buy in the current market.
- 3
  Request an enhancement report of the emerald in question. Reputable dealers have these reports for emeralds they sell.
- 4
  Send the emerald to a gemological laboratory to have it tested if there is no treatment report available.

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